The United Nations (UN) says it will continue to support Ghana’s electoral process to promote inclusive, transparent, and credible elections that reflect the will of the people and contribute to peace and stability in the country. Mr Charles Abani, the UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana, said amid regional challenges to democracy, there was a need for stakeholders to pay attention to the moment when Ghanaians would once again go to the polls in December 2024. The UN Resident Coordinator made these remarks at the 78th UN Day Flagraising Parade Ceremony at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra. The celebration was on the theme ‘Rebuilding Trust and Reigniting Global Solidarity: Accelerating Action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) towards Peace, Prosperity, Progress and Sustainability for all.’ Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, hoisted Ghana’s flag, while that of the UN was hoisted by the Resident Coordinator. UN Day, celebrated every year on October 24, offers the opportunity to amplify its common agenda and reaffirm the purposes and principles of the UN Charter that have guided Member States of the world body over the past 78 years. Mr Abani said elections represent citizenship’s power to reflect, choose and act for their country and the future. He declared: ‘This can only be possible when there is peace and stability, freedom, tolerance and respect for one another – essential prerequisites for holding free and fair elections and upholding Ghana’s reputation as a leader for democracy in the region.’ He underscored that as Ghana prepares for the 2024 elections, it was the responsibility of stakeholders to engage meaningfully before, during and after the elections. ‘We wish Ghana the absolute best in its next presidential and parliamentary elections,’ Mr Abani stated. He noted that the UN had already started with the ‘I Pledge for Peace’ Campaign, launched recently in collaboration with the National Peace Council – to promote peace and hold key stakeholders accountable to pledge for peace before, during and after the presidential and parliamentary elections in the country. ‘We call on all partners to join the campaign as we prepare to roll out activities to amplify messages of peace, tolerance, and respect during the period of election.’ He said the theme for this year’s UN Day celebration encapsulates the essential ideals of ‘peace, prosperity, progress, and sustainability’ which were sine-qua-non for our very survival and can be realised largely through solidarity in an atmosphere of trust. He noted that with the ongoing global turmoil, heightened by unprecedented connectivity and interdependence among nations, these four concepts take on a renewed significance, highlighting the need for UN Member States to strive for peace and resolve conflicts through diplomacy and dialogue. He said this collaborative ethos should underpin the journey towards prosperity, not solely in terms of economic advancement, but also a holistic elevation of human well-being. Mr Abani said harnessing the power of technological innovation and inclusive policies, progress becomes a collective endeavour, empowering societies to address pressing challenges such as climate change, poverty, and inequality. He said at the heart of this transformation lies the principle of sustainability, advocating for responsible stewardship of our planet’s resources and the equitable distribution of benefits. He said it was in recognition of Ghana’s leadership role at the regional, continental and global level that the country would be hosting the 2023 United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial this December. He said this flagship biennial meeting would be the fifth UN Peacekeeping Ministerial meeting and the first to take place in Africa. ‘It will help secure much-needed political support and generate pledges to strengthen UN Peacekeeping. Ayekoo Ghana for taking up the mantle once again to be the first on the African continent to host this very important meeting,’ he said. Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, reiterates Ghana’s call for a reformed UN, especially of the Security Council as set out in Africa’s common position on UN reform, based on the Ezulwini Consensus. She said it was important for stakeholders to remind themselves that increased cooperation and collaboration was the way to confront their challenges.

Source: Ghana News Agency